(The Center Square) – Attorney General Kris Mayes announced major fentanyl and meth trafficking sentences on Thursday.
Francisco Abril was one of three defendants sentenced in the Pima County-based case for plans to sell 16 pounds of methamphetamine, running an illegal fentanyl and methamphetamine “enterprise” in the Tucson region, and illegally possession a firearm because of his “prior convictions.” He’s facing 4.5 years in prison and 3 years of probation.
Two other individuals, Gloria Ortiz and David Rivera were also sentenced 3 years in probation and 6 months behind bars followed by 3 years of probation, respectively. All three waived their right to a trial as they each entered guilty pleas with the state of Arizona.
“These sentences serve as a clear message: those who choose to endanger our communities by trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Mayes. “The defendants showed a reckless disregard for the safety of children and the community, and my office remains committed to fighting drug trafficking to protect all Arizonans.”
Ortiz pled guilty to endangering the two children who occasionally stayed in the house with Abril, even though he had fentanyl pills there. Meanwhile, Rivera is convicted of buying drugs from Abril at the house, including 600 fentanyl pills, according to the Attorney General’s office. Rivera was also found guilty for having a firearm despite being a “convicted felon.”
Fentanyl trafficking continues to be a prevalent issue throughout Arizona and nationwide. Seizures of the pills, as well as methamphetamine, are common occurrences in the border state.
The largest fentanyl seizure from United States Customs and Border Protection ever occurred in July with half a ton of the potentially deadly pills. Another seizure of 51 pounds of fentanyl was announced by the Arizona Department of Public Safety on Wednesday, and the driver suspected of trying to move the drugs from Phoenix to Houston was arrested.
